Caboolture Hospital Eat Walk Engage Coordinator Emily Harvey helped the physiotherapy team at Mt Isa Base Hospital recently.

“I was seconded to Mt Isa Hospital for a HP5 Acting/Clinical Lead role for two three-week blocks in Mt Isa Hospital, part of the North West Hospital and Health Service,” Emily said.

“The aim of the secondment was to provide education and support to the allied health team, particularly the Physiotherapy team within the acute setting.

“I also reviewed, adapted and made recommendations across allied health about their referral processes and handover procedures, provided consultancy for bariatric equipment requirements and developed a train the trainer patient handling training session, running two sessions of this while I was there.

“I also coordinated several recruitment processes during my time there.

“I gained an appreciation for the generalist nature of rural allied health roles and the need for flexible and adaptable work practices to meet the specific needs of their population with such limited resources.

“I also gained invaluable experience in applying culturally sensitive practice with a high proportion of First Nations people living within the North West Hospital and Health Service catchment area.

“The team up there were fantastic and made you feel instantly welcome. I’d recommend all clinicians take any opportunities they can to experience rural health facilities and the unique challenges they face.”